"Just leaving them alone... doesn't count as child abuse." Is that true?

When people think about violence against children, they often think of physical abuse. But neglect is also a form of child abuse, and it can have lasting effects on a child's health, development, and sense of security.

CPCR has found that many child victims of violence and unlaw care are not physically abused but grow up without the care and protection they need. This leave lasting impacts on their lives.

Neglect can take many forms, including:

Leaving a child alone without age-appropriate supervision.
Failing to seek medical care when a child is ill.
Not providing adequate food, water or any basic care.
Leaving a child in unsafe or hazardous environments.

In many cases, neglect is not caused by a lack of love. It may result from overwhelming stress, poverty, substance misuse, or family crises that leave caregivers unable to meet a child's needs.

That is why child protection goes beyond responding to abuse. It also means understanding each family's circumstances, listening to their challenges, and connecting them with the support they need so children can grow up safely within a stronger, more stable family.

CPCR works with both children and their families because protecting children means more than preventing violence. It means ensuring every child receives the care, safety, and opportunity they need to thrive.